BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY: In spite of the name, the Tibetan Terrier is not a terrier but a herding dog, doubling as a guard for traders as they journeyed to and from China. It succeeded in his job not so much by size but through the awe in which he was held. This is believed to be the original Holy Dog of Tibet. It is said to be even livelier than the other Tibetan breeds in Group 9, his energy and enthusiasm balancing his ability as a miniature guard dog along the lines of a small Old English Sheepdog.

IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS: Length from point of shoulder to root of tail equal to height at withers.

BEHAVIOUR AND TEMPERAMENT: Lively, good-natured. Loyal companion dog with many engaging ways. Outgoing, alert, intelligent and game; neither fierce nor pugnacious. Sparing of affection to strangers.HEAD: Head well furnished with long hair, falling forward, but not over eyes, and not affecting the dog’s ability to see. Lower jaw carrying small, but not exaggerated amount of beard. In all giving a resolute expression.
CRANIAL REGION:
Skull: Of medium length, neither broad nor coarse, narrowing slightly from ear to eye, neither domed nor absolutely flat between ears.
Stop: Marked in front of eyes, but not exaggerated.
FACIAL REGION:
Nose: Black.
Muzzle: Strong. Length from eye to tip of nose equal to length from eye to occiput.
Jaw / Teeth: Lower jaw well developed. Incisors set in slight curve, evenly spaced and set perpendicular to jaw. Scissor or reversed scissor bite.
Cheeks: Zygomatic arch curved, but not overdeveloped so as to bulge.
Eyes: Large, round, neither prominent nor sunken; set fairly wide apart; dark brown. Eye rims black.
Ears: Pendant, carried not too close to head, V-shaped, not too large, set fairly high on the side of the skull, heavily feathered.

NECK: Strong, muscular, medium length, allowing head to be carried above level of back and giving overall balanced appearance. Flowing into well placed shoulders.

TAIL: Medium length set on fairly high and carried in a gay curl over back. Very well feathered. Kink near tip often occurring and permissible.

LIMBS

FOREQUARTERS:
General appearance: Heavily furnished.
Shoulder: Well laid with good length.
Upper arm: Good length and slope.
Forearm: Legs straight and parallel.
Metacarpus (Pastern): Slightly sloping.
Forefeet: Large, round, heavily furnished with hair between toes and pads. Standing well down on pads; no arch in feet.

HINDQUARTERS:
General appearance: Heavily furnished, well muscled. Well bent stifles and low set hocks giving level topline and drive.
Stifle (Knee): Well bent.
Hock joint: Low set.
Hind feet: Large, round, heavily furnished with hair between toes and pads. Standing well down on pads; no arch in feet.

FAULTS: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.